The Forrest City times., 1887-10-08
CHAPTER XL.
FLASHING IN THE SUNLIGHT.


 Those present will never forget the strong, tragfcal, dramatic interest of that scene. The sun shone full into the room-the golden light fell on the dark, old oaken furniture-on the ssperb tapestry-on the silent figures of those who waited the result of the search -on thess ssdetectiye, who wore a mask as Of iron. He stood by the black trunk motionless, yet with sense of triumph in his heart. The housekeeper had grown white and frightened, but the figure on which all Interest was concentrated was that of the woman kneeling with her face buried in her hands. No one sPoke-no one disturb cd that profund silence until the duke. with Barnes, entered the room, The duke looked at the deteetive-looked at the kneeling figure with the hidden face.
 Your grace" said Mr. Barton. "I find this trunk, belonging to Mrs. Grey, has a false bottom, in which am quito sure there Is something con- cealed. await your orders. An to break 1t open or not?"
 A terrible question. A shudder went through the kneeling figure. The duke looked at her. IfMrs. Grey had been standing up, with calm, uncon- cerned face-if she had been angry-if she had protested against tiff she had protested against tiff she had cried out that she did not want her property to he touched, the duke would have said No. but there was something Tn her aspect as she knelt there, some thing in the crouching trembling figure that told of fear. lift had been any other emotion than fear he would have said Mo-" but fear in this case meant "gulit," and justice must be done.
 shall force it open, your grace? ! ou can see that it is of great thick ness. It would hold much"
 Then something like life and anima- tion came to the knee!ing figure. Mrs. Grey raised her death-like face. she clasped her hands as one who prays.
 Sir" she crids as one who prays be- seech you to save me this indignity. l swear to you"
 Then she stopped abruptly, and the wo ds died half-formed on her lips.
 ''She is unable to swear that there is nothing there,' commented MT. Barton.
 T he duke was really distressed: he did not like doing anything that seem ed unkind, yet in justice to the remain der of the household, that box ought to be opened.
 "Barnes,' he said in his turn, twill you ask the duchess if she will be kind enough to come, here for a few min utes; she shall declde.n
 They heard a low vail from the kneeling woman, and each one who listened thought it was a sign ofguilt
 Do not let her come" said Mrs. Grey, do not send for her"
 ''Poor creature" thought the kindly hoasekeeper, T am afraid she is guilty"
 The duke answered her kindly.
 ''i think twill be for the best, Mrs. Grey"
 He felt in that moment that even if she had stolen all the diamonds, and had them hidden there, be could not be very hard upon Ter.
 When the door of the tapestry-room opened 10 admit the duchess, 1t seemed ss though light, brightness, and sun shine came with her. She looked at the different faces In wonder; she look cd at the kneeling figure and ghastiy lace of Mrs. Grey with fear. She went straight up to her, and held out her hands to her, tae unhappy woman, ~ith a cry of something like despair, ssught the dress the duchess wore and hid her face h it.
 What is the matter" asked the saeAess, her beautiful face sll distress.